The above inquiry, above all others, drives the quests of
silver panthers seeking the greatest bang for their retirement buck. Numerous
mature periodicals post annual “Top Ten Lists.” An entire genre of printed
material exists in the Oldies Self-Help section of most book stores. Perhaps low
cost has the greatest priority for you but based upon your individual needs, there
are a host of other issues to consider.
Yelapa is an isolated village on the southern shores of
Banderas Bay. It can be reached from Puerto Vallarta via a fifty minute water
taxi trip (120 pesos/person) or from Boca de Tomatlan via a twenty-five minute
bus ride followed by a twenty-five minute water taxi trip (7 pesos bus fare, 60
pesos water taxi/person). There is a seasonal road into Yelapa used primarily
to transport building materials; EVERYTHING else must arrive by boat.
Transportation contributes to the cost of groceries, building materials,
lodging, dining and general living in our village.
I understand the calculus of a magazine’s list where
the entries are driven by low property taxes, the availability of a local
university, a fully functional library, a major health facility, and the ever
popular civic opportunities and volunteer organizations. Yelapa has none of
these!
What Yelapa does offer is an optional healthier life
style. You have to elect to participate. I walk wherever I need to go; I have
no vehicle expense whatsoever. Twice a day I take Nikki, our English Shepherd,
up into the jungle for a break. Two or three times a week I walk to the grocery
store. Three or so nights a week I walk to dinner. Nearly every day, I walk
down to my kayak rental stand, clean the platform, wash the kayaks, and enjoy
the view. While many of the twenty/thirty somethings have motos, the rest of us
walk and walk and walk. I have lost ten pounds and feel like I am in better
condition than when I was twenty-five years younger. Did I mention that Yelapa
has hills? Yes, it is a physical environment and should not be considered for a
visit or extended stay by anyone with mobility issues.
Food and beverages just seem to taste better. Pre-fabricated
drink mixes are out of the question. Drinks are typically crafted one at a time
with fresh ingredients. Fruits, vegetables, poultry, fish, beef and baked goods
are fresh. There is a distinct absence of processed foods in the markets.
Another post “Rent or Build” discussed the general
practice of annual prepaid rents. Depending upon your personal requirements,
you could spend from $300 to $1000 per month on rent. Based upon your personal
culinary needs you could spend $100 to $500 per month on groceries (wine/liquor
excluded). The average dinner out to include one drink, entree and tip would
run $20 per person. There is no charge for providing water to your residence
although you will wish to purchase bottled water for drinking which runs
$2.00/bottle. Electricity is presently subsidized 50% by the electric company,
CFE, and will run $40 to $80 every two months. Two land line telephone/internet packages exist which will cost either $35 or $45 per month.Most ex-pats head over to Puerto
Vallarta to bank and shop (Costco, Home Depot, Walmart, Sam’s Club, Office
Depot, Staples, TelMex) or to attend medical ($40/consultation)/dental
appointments ($25/cleaning) once a week or twice a month. Ok, boys and girls,
you do the math. Add twenty-five percent and there’s your monthly living cost
in Yelapa.
Reality check: From the latter half of November through
the end of April, Yelapa is one of the most spectacular sites in the world. The
heat/humidity/monsoonal rains roll in from May through October causing most ex-pats
to flee to a contra-seasonal spot. Most depart to comfortable climes such as
Calgary, Portland, San Diego or Colorado. Having a second/back up residence can
certainly add to your costs. Consider approaching your adult children with the
announcement that you look forward to re-connecting with them for a six month
extended stay each year. It’s payback time folks.
Do your homework. If you can live your research project
while you are performing it, that’s the best. Remember: you did not marry your
partner because of the existence of green eyes alone. Accordingly, do not
single data point a decision the size of your retirement location. Also be
advised: as of this writing Medicare will not reimburse for medical expenses
incurred outside of the United States. Happy travels.
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